Finding ways to win

[randy]

Feb 9, 2001: Alabama St (18-5, 11-1) @ Alcorn St (9-14, 5-7)

Pregame Notes

• We beat ALCST in our last game (83-67 home win), where we shot 59% FG. We expect ALCST to once again slow down the pace, as they are just averaging 55 ppg (2nd lowest national)

Tip off

We connected on both our 3PT shot attempts. The slow pace is probably to the liking of ALCST, so we'll quicken it up a notch
13:28, Up 12-9

Good start for SF Steffon DeLord with 7 pts, helping SG Haven Wilkerson with 10. Our defense could use more intensity, as ALCST are taking uncontested shots (54% FG). And that's what we talked about during the timeout.
7:57, Up 26-18

A bit of improvement on our defense, forcing some turn overs on ALCST. The strategy of ALCST in milking their shot clock diminished our scoring opportunities also.


Halftime, Up 35-30
We'll play exclusively m2m defense in the 2nd half, hoping to force more turn overs and speed up the game.


Start of 2nd half

We got to the penalty less than 4 mins into the 2nd half; I have no choice but to lessen defensive intensity, otherwise ALCST is going to score plenty from the FT line. 3pt shooting by PF David Andrews and SG Haven Wilkerson kept us in the lead
13:33, Up 53-43

Sloppy offense on our part, as we committed a string of turn overs (14 in the game), and allowed ALCST to cut our lead. ALCST continues to score on the line.
7:21, Up 58-54

There were at least 3 occasions where ALCST got to within a single possession deficit, but we managed to answer. ALCST hit another 3 earlier (their 7th) to cut our lead to 2. We miss our shot, and now ALCST has a chance to tie or take the lead.
2:59, Up 64-62

ALCST: Another foul called. We will decrease def intensity once again. ALCST splits their FTs.
2:49, Up 64-63

ALST: SG Haven Wilkerson missed a running jumper. I probably should have called a timeout in that play.
ALCST: We get a steal.. No fast break opportunity. Timeout
2:16, Up 64-63

ALST: We go to Wilkerson again. Wilkerson drives. He missed, but he gets the off rebound. 2nd shot by Wilkerson. Missed but got fouled. Wilkerson (26 pts) hits both.
2:02, Up 66-63

ALCST: They are againg taking their time on the shot clock. We're not giving them any good looks. ALCST's SG Brian Bowie (9 pts) able to convert a very tough shot. We dribble to the front court. Timeout.
1:22, Up 66-65

ALST: Wilkerson again receives the pass. He thought about taking a 3. He drives strong instead. Basket is good! Good decision by Wilkerson (28 pts)
1:11, Up 68-65

ALCST: They are not calling timeout. Another foul called; a touch foul by PG Johnny Victor from way beyond the 3pt line. I am pleading to the refs; they gave me a warning. ALCST splits again. Timeout.
0:54, Up 68-66

ALST: Wilkerson missed. Ball out of bounds. Our ball. We reset our play. Wilkerson misses again. Rebound secured by ALCST. They call a timeout
0:37, Up 68-66

ALCST: They are killing time again. A dribble drive penetration. And then a drop pass to C Brandon Hill. Hill is quickly met by a double team. Interior pass to PF Walter Soloman. Soloman (21 pts) scored on a short jumper! We dribble to the front court. Timeout. Enough time for last shot.
0:06, Tied at 68

Big decision. Wilkerson missed his last 2 shots, but he's our best option. We designed a play for him

ALST: PG Johnny Victor makes a pass to SG Haven Wilkerson. Wilkerson shoots a long 2. Wilkerson's shot hits nothing but the bottom of the net! What a big shot! Timeout ALCST
0:02, Up 70-68

Inbounding from their back court, not enough time for ALCST to even put up a desperation shot. An escape win for us.


Final Score: Alabama St - 70, Alcorn St - 68
Both teams almost even in all major statistical categories. We just happen to have the last play, and a big-time basket from a clutch player


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 30, 2, 2 (*)
DeLord 9, 3, 0, 3 stls
Andrews 8, 3, 1
Davis 6, 5, 4, 2 stls
Victor 5, 2, 7, 4 tos
Scott 5, 1, 0
Perkins 3, 0, 0
Popp 2, 1, 2
Everhart 2, 0, 1
Walls 0, 5, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 56-54%
REB: +1
TO: +2 (we had 16)
Pts in paint: -4
2nd chance: -1
Fast break: -9
[/INDENT]


SWAC Standings

1. Alabama St, 12-1 (W7)
2. Austin Peay, 10-3 (W2)
3. Alabama A&M, 9-4 (W1)
4. Mississippi Valley St, 7-6 (W3)
5. McNeese St, 6-7 (L1)
6. Texas Southern, 6-7 (W1)
7. Grambling, 6-7 (L3)
8. Alcorn St, 5-8 (L2)
9. Jackson St, 5-8 (L5)
10. Northwestern St, 5-8 (W2)
11. Prairie View, 4-9 (L1)
12. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 3-10 (L3)

[randy]

Feb 13, 2001: Northwestern St (12-12, 5-8) @ Alabama St (19-5, 12-1

Pregame Notes

• We had a close road win against NWST earlier in the season (63-59). We didn't shot the ball in the perimeter in that game, so we relied on our inside plays. C Reginald Davis had a big game then, 21 pts, 9 rebs.

Tip off

3 turn overs in the 1st 3 mins got us to a slow start. And then C Reginald Davis and SG Haven Wilkerson combined for an 11-0 run.
12:25, Up 16-9

NWST shooting just 21% FG, but we continue to have issues with our turn overs (8 already).
6:35, Up 22-11

This would have been a blow out already by this time - we're +11 on rebounds, and NWST managing just 29% FG. But our 10 turn overs is keeping this game close.


Halftime, Up 31-23
C Reginald Davis having another good game against NWST, with 11 pts. SG Haven Wilkerson has 10 pts. We had success in the paint, so we'll focus more inside in the 2nd half


Start of 2nd half

It's no coincidence that we have doubled our lead, and we haven't committed a single turn over in the 2nd half so far.
13:31, Up 45-29

NWST still shooting a dismal 29% FG at this stage of the game. Bench might get more time today. Crowd is chanting the names of SF Charlie Jones and PF Jonte Delk (our 2 walk ons). Still too early. Let's see
7:24, Up 58-38

No signs of a rally from NWST. Bench warmers finished the game, and yes, even the walk ons played today. Seldom-used SG even scored 11 pts, including a perfect 3-3 from downtown.


Final Score: Northwestern St - 54, Alabama St - 75
Much better ball handling in the 2nd half. We hope we bring that kind of discipline during the tournament games, which is just a few weeks from now.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Davis 22, 9, 0, 3 tos, 7-9 FG, 8-11 FT (*)
Wilkerson 13, 4, 1, 3 stls, 5-17 FG
Hillier 11, 0, 0
Popp 6, 3, 0
Andrews 5, 7, 0, 2 stls
Victor 4, 2, 3
Perkins 4, 0, 0
DeLord 3, 4, 0, 2 stls
Everhart 3, 3, 0
Scott 2, 2, 2
Hawkins 2, 1, 0
Walls 0, 5, 2
Jones 0, 2, 0
Reuter 0, 0, 2
Delk 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 47-33%
REB: +11
TO: -1
Pts in paint: +26
2nd chance: +1
Fast break: +4
[/INDENT]


SWAC Standings

1. Alabama St, 13-1 (W8)
2. Austin Peay, 11-3 (W3)
3. Alabama A&M, 9-5 (L1)
4. Mississippi Valley St, 8-6 (W4)
5. McNeese St, 7-7 (W1)
6. Texas Southern, 6-8 (L1)
7. Grambling, 6-8 (L4)
8. Jackson St, 6-8 (W1)
9. Northwestern St, 5-9 (L1)
10. Alcorn St, 5-9 (L3)
11. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4-10 (W1)
12. Prairie View, 4-10 (L2)

[randy]

Feb 16, 2001: Arkansas-Pine Bluff (11-14, 4-10) @ Alabama St (20-5, 13-1

Pregame Notes

• We limited ARPB to 36% FG in our last game (66-51 road win)

Tip off

After being down 2-5, we're currently on a 9-0 run
13:38, Up 11-5

Our good defense (ARPB: 7 turn overs) compensating for our sub par shooting (38% FG)
7:15, Up 19-14

A foul fest towards the end of the half. The 2 teams combined for 30 total fouls and 44 FTAs. Both C Reginald Davis and SG Wilkerson with 3 fouls each.


Halftime, Up 34-30
Davis and Wilkerson will sit out the start of the 2nd half due to foul trouble. The other players need to step up. We'll shift to favor inside as our outside shots not falling today.


Start of 2nd half

PF David Andrews and C Seneca Popp scored all our pts in a 12-2 run to start the 2nd half.
15:34, Up 46-32

We lead by as many as 20, as many of our players making significant contribution on offense. ARPB on the middle of a rally with a 7-0 run.
7:02, Up 64-51

C Reginald Davis and SG Haven Wilkerson, who has played less minutes today due to foul trouble, scored all of our next 11 pts, to get ourselves back to a more comfortable lead.
3:55, Up 75-53

We were content on slowing down, and shoot FTs, the rest of the way.


Final Score: Arkansas Pine-Bluff - 62, Alabama St - 84
I believe this is the 1st game that SG Haven Wilkerson was held to single-digit scoring, but it hardly mattered because several players stepped up their performance. We didn't allowed ARPB a single 2nd chance nor fast break pt.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Popp 17, 3, 1
Davis 16, 11, 2, 2 blks, 8-10 FT (*)
Andrews 14, 4, 0
DeLord 11, 1, 0, 2 stls
Wilkerson 9, 0, 1
Everhart 5, 5, 4
Victor 5, 2, 3, 3 tos
Scott 3, 0, 1, fouled out
Walls 2, 3, 0
Reuter 2, 1, 2
Perkins 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 50-40%
REB: +8
TO: -7 (we had only 7)
Pts in paint: +22
2nd chance: +9 (9-0)
Fast break: +10 (10-0)
[/INDENT]


SWAC Standings

1. Alabama St, 14-1 (W9)
2. Austin Peay, 12-3 (W4)
3. Alabama A&M, 10-5 (W1)
4. Mississippi Valley St, 9-6 (W5)
5. McNeese St, 7-8 (L1)
6. Texas Southern, 6-9 (L2)
7. Grambling, 6-9 (L5)
8. Jackson St, 6-9 (L1)
9. Northwestern St, 6-9 (W1)
10. Prairie View, 5-10 (W1)
11. Alcorn St, 5-10 (L4)
12. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 4-11 (L1)

[randy]

Feb 20, 2001: #24 Alabama St (21-5, 14-1) @ McNeese St (13-13, 7-8)

Pregame Notes

• Nice feeling to be recognized as a ranked team. But our objective is to continue with our winning run heading into the tournament games.
• We beat MCNST earlier in the season (78-61 home win), where we scored 42 pts in the paint

Tip off

Sluggish start on offense (30% FG), but our defense holding MCNST to just 1 FG so far
13:55, Up 9-6

MCNST hitting their outside shots, including 3 from beyond the arc. We'll have to go exclusively m2m, and increase def intensity
6:31, Down 17-22

We tried to shoot our way back, but MCNST always had an answer. We suddenly can't make any stops.


Halftime, Down 26-36
Our 10 turn overs had more impact to our low output, rather than our 36% FG. If we don't cut down on our turn overs in the 2nd half, our days as a ranked-team will be short-lived.


Start of 2nd half

MCNST adding 4 more triples at the start of the 2nd half; they have now shot 9-14 3PT (64%). We went down by as many as 16 earlier. We also have 5 team fouls.
13:54, Down 36-49

We cut down the lead to 10 several times, but our rally can't get into full swing either because of our turn overs or our penalty situation
6:48, Down 47-60

We tried to quicken up the pace and shoot more 3s. But MCNST's good shooting night very difficult to overcome.


Final Score: Alabama St - 60, McNeese St - 71
Both teams had 23 FGMs, but almost half of MCNST's made shots were from 3pt territory (11-20 3PT today). Certainly a wake call prior to the conference tournament, that any team can beat any other team on a given day. Balanced scoring for MCNST, as 9 players scored between 5 and 10 pts.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 21, 3, 4, 2 stls
Victor 10, 1, 1, fouled out
Davis 6, 9, 1, 2 stls
DeLord 6, 3, 1
Andrews 4, 2, 0
Scott 4, 0, 3, 7 tos
Perkins 4, 0, 1
Everhart 3, 4, 1
Popp 2, 2, 0
Walls 0, 5, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 43-46%
REB: +1
TO: -1
Pts in paint: +10
2nd chance: -6
Fast break: +5
[/INDENT]


SWAC Standings

1. #24 Alabama St, 14-2 (L1)
2. Austin Peay, 12-4 (L1)
3. Alabama A&M, 11-5 (W2)
4. Mississippi Valley St, 10-6 (W6)
5. McNeese St, 8-8 (W1)
6. Texas Southern, 7-9 (W1)
7. Grambling, 7-9 (W1)
8. Jackson St, 6-10 (L2)
9. Northwestern St, 6-10 (L1)
10. Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 5-11 (W1)
11. Prairie View, 5-11 (L1)
12. Alcorn St, 5-11 (L5)

[randy]

Play-In Round

• (5) McNeese St def (12) Alcorn St, 71-43
• (11) Prairie View def (6) Texas Southern, 84-78
• (7) Grambling def (10) Arkansas Pine-Bluff, 73-70
• (8) Jackson St def (9) Northwestern St, 68-60

[randy]

Mar 2, 2001: (8) Jackson St (10-18, 6-10) vs (1) #25 Alabama St (21-6, 14-2)

Pregame Notes

• We defeated JKST in our lone meeting in the regular season (69-54 road win). JKST shot 10-26 3PT, but had 23 turn overs to lessen their scoring opportunities. JKST is #2 in the nation in 3PT attempts and #4 in 3PT made

Tip off

We started 0-5 FG, but able to hit our last 4 attempts. JKST is 1-6 3PT
14:38, Up 10-8

We need to rebound better, as JKST already with 4 off rebounds
11:57, Down 10-13

SG Michael Everhart buried back-to-back 3pt shots, to lead the 2nd unit in providing some needed spark on the offense. JKST is 2-12 3PT
7:25, Up 20-17

We went to a 3-guard lineup, and we racked up 4 more triples to build our momentum. SG Michael Everhart (12 pts) is 4-4 from downtown.


Halftime, Up 40-28
We are beating JKST in their own game, as we connected on 7-8 3PT shots.


Start of 2nd half

Just like the 1st half, we're off to a slow start. But our defense have only allowed 1 FG for JKST, who is now 5-22 3PT.
13:49, Up 45-30

Our perimeter defense continues to shackle JKST's shooters.
7:26, Up 58-35

Our defense was still relentless even when the bench warmers were on the floor. I am very pleased with team's effort today


Final Score: Jackson St - 45, Alabama St - 74
Our 12-16 3PT (75%) shooting was certainly a bonus. On the other hand, JKST shot an inefficient 8-33 3PT (24%).


Box Scores
[INDENT]Everhart 18, 3, 2, 2 stls, 4-5 3PT
Wilkerson 17, 3, 2, 3 stls, 3 tos, 3-4 3PT (*)
Davis 12, 9, 0
Andrews 11, 4, 1, 3-4 3PT
Victor 5, 3, 3, 2 blks
Popp 4, 4, 0
Reuter 3, 0, 2
Walls 2, 3, 0
Hawkins 2, 2, 1
Scott 0, 1, 6
DeLord 0, 1, 0
Perkins 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 49-29%
REB: +1
TO: -6 (JKST: 18)
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: -5
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]


SWAC Tournament Results

• (2) Austin Peay def (7) Grambling, 79-60
• (11) Prairie View def (3) Alabama A&M, 83-71
• (5) McNeese St def (4) Mississippi Valley St, 90-73

[randy]

Mar 3, 2001: (5) McNeese St (16-13, 8-8) vs (1) #25 Alabama St (22-6, 14-2)

Pregame Notes

• We go up against one of only two teams who defeated us during conference play (60-71 road loss). During that game, MCNST shot well from the 3PT line, going 11-20. We also committed 10 tun overs in the 1st half, which put us in a hole
• Backup PG Thomas Scott is injured (sore hip, 82%). He's suited up, but most likely will not play

Tip off

Good start defensively, as MCNST is 0-3 3PT and forcing 5 turn overs. SG Haven Wilkerson establishing himself on the offense, already with 12 pts.
11:34, Up 17-7

Our shots were not falling, and our bench yet to score a single pt in this game.
6:31, Up 22-15

A couple of turn overs on our end allowed MCNST to inch closer. We still can't get consistent offense from the rest of the team other than SG Haven Wilkerson.


Halftime, Up 30-25
SG Haven Wilkerson with 16 pts and PG Johnny Victor had 6 pts; and not much from the other players. We must continue to keep our focus on defense, in case this game turns out to be a low-scoring affair. MCNST ony 1-8 3PT, plus 9 turn overs.


Start of 2nd half

MCNST playing good defense on SG Haven Wilkerson, forcing him to take tough shots. We will adjust to favor more inside plays, in order to get higher percentage shots
13:49, Up 35-33

SG Haven Wilkerson struggling in the 2nd half. On our next 4 offensive plays, he missed a layup, called for travel, missed a shot, and threw a bad pass. I'll have head to bench to regroup himself.
12:04, Tied at 35

MCNST suddenly can't miss, and scored on 5 of their 6 possessions. We have also piled up on our turn overs. Things are not looking good for us. I bring back SG Haven Wilkerson. We have to double our intensity on defense
8:00, Down 39-46

Our deficit grew to double digits after another 3 by MCNST. We have scored only 5 FTs to add to our socre
4:39, Down 44-53

Teams traded turn overs and baskets. We cut it down to 6 after a 3 by SF Steffon DeLord.
2:46, Down 49-55

MCNST: We need a stop. SG Johnny Hart facing a double from way out. He put up a contested shot. Hart hits a three ball from deep! Timeout
2:28, Down 49-58

ALST: We should not lose hope. One possession at a time. C Reginald Davis got fouled. Davis splits his charities.
2:13, Down 50-58

MCNST: They wisely use some clock. SF Brian Hamilton drives, and makes the shot plus a foul! Hamilton converts the bonus.
1:52, Down 50-61

ALST: We'll start looking for 3s. Miss 3 by PF David Andrews. Rebound by MCNST. We steal the ball. C Reginald Davis got fouled, and he splits his FTs again
1:08, Down 51-61

MCNST: I yelled instructions that we should foul. MCNST hits both FTs

We miss our next 3 and that ends our hope of winning the conference tournament title


Final Score: McNeese St - 69, Alabama St - 56
Despite committing 23 turn over, MCNST able to hit shots at the right moments in the game. On our part, maybe it was a case of over reliance by the other players on SG Haven Wilkerson? Certainly a disappointing loss, but we have to move on. We'll most likely still play in the NCAA tournament


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 23, 5, 2, 5 stls, 4 tos
Victor 9, 2, 2, 2 blks, 3 tos
Davis 8, 5, 1
DeLord 5, 3, 0, 2 stls
Andrews 4, 2, 0, 4 stls
Popp 4, 1, 0, 4 tos
Walls 2, 4, 2
Hawkins 1, 0, 1
Everhart 0, 0, 1
Reuter 0, 1, 1, 3 tos
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 32-57%
REB: -9
TO: -8 (MCNST: 23)
Pts in paint: +2
2nd chance: Even
Fast break: Even
[/INDENT]


SWAC Tournament Results

• Semi Finals: (2) Austin Peay def (11) Prairie View, 74-58
• Finals: (5) McNeese St def (2) Austin Peay, 59-48

[randy]

I was wrong. Despite having an RPI of 22, we did not get an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament. But we should take whatever opportunities presented to us. We get a (1)-seed instead in the NIT

Mar 12, 2001: (8) Kennesaw St (19-11, 10-6) vs (1) Alabama St (22-7, 14-2)

Pregame Notes

• KENN likes to play inside, anchored on their 2 big men, Jr C Aaron Gayden (11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg) and SR PF Marcus Ward (11.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg). Clearly, they are a good rebounding team (#1 A-Sun)

Tip off

We were doing everything right with our 2-3 zone, forcing KENN's big men to shoot jumpers and we're controlling boards. Unfortunately, we already committed 6 turn overs which I am not so pleased about.
11:20, Down 10-12

PF David Andrews and C Seneca Popp were both effective in breaking KENN's 1-3-1 zone, and they have combined to score 16 pts.
4:47, Up 27-25

KENN making enough jump shots to keep themselves close.


Halftime, Up 35-32
It has been a battle of 2 teams trying to figure out how to attack each other's zone defense. Our bigs slightly outplaying KENN's front court, so we'll try to go more inside in the 2nd half. We had 10 turn overs in the 1st half, 6 more than KENN.


Start of 2nd half

We are sticking to our plan of attacking inside, and we've been successful doing that. PF David Andrews now with 13 pts, 6 rebs. KENN starting to miss most of their outside shots, but we kept on shooting ourselves in the foot by adding 4 more turn overs (total of 14 in the game)
13:50, Up 46-40

I've tried 3 different players playing the PG spot, and those 3 already combined for 9 of our 17 turn overs. KENN is 3-18 3PT, and that is somehow keeping our heads above water.
7:09, Up 50-48

SG Haven WIlkerson, who hasn't been shooting well in this game, scored our next 7 pts. But KENN able to answer back, despite missing 3 of their last 4 FT attempts. PG Johnny Victor has fouled out.
1:53, Up 57-55

KENN: We get called for a foul on the act. C Dee Barnes to shoot 2 FTs. Barnes is 1-4 FT today. Missed the 1st. Made the 2nd. Timeout.
1:43, Up 57-56

ALST: PG Thomas Scott missed the jumper
KENN: They turn the ball over. We dribble to our front court. Timeout
1:05, Up 57-56

ALST: We gave the ball to SG Haven Wilkerson. He shoots. Miss. Timeout KENN. Wilkerson is 7-22 FG today
0:58, Up 57-56

KENN: We stick to the 2-3 zone. They fire a 3. Miss. Timeout. KENN is 3-19 3PT (16%)
0:37, Up 57-56

ALST: We were planning to run some clock. but SG Haven Wilkerson called for travelling. Turnover #19 for us. Timeout KENN
0:32, Up 57-56

KENN: They threw the ball away!
ALST: I'm not calling a timeout. KENN not fouling. We moved the ball around. With about 9 secs left, SG Haven Wilkerson made a bad pass! 20 turn overs. Timeout KENN.
0:08, Up 57-56

KENN: We're pressing m2m to eat up some clock. KENN wasn't even able to put up a shot.

We move on. Just barely.


Final Score: Kennesaw St - 56, Alabama St - 57
We were just lucky to win despite playing one of the worst offensive games we had the entire season. We certainly had "help" from KENN; they shot 16% 3PT, and missed 4 of 6 FTs in the latter part of the game.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 15, 3, 0, 3 tos, 7-22 FG (*)
Andrews 13, 6, 1, 4 tos
Popp 10, 1, 0
Davis 8, 13, 1
Scott 5, 3, 3, 4 tos
Victor 4, 3, 5, 5 tos, fouled out
DeLord 2, 4, 1
Walls 0, 6, 1
Everhart 0, 1, 1
Hawkins 0, 1, 0
Reuter 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 40-39%
REB: +14
TO: +10
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: +4
Fast break: -2
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Mar 15, 2001: (4) Arizona (16-14, 11-7) vs (1) Alabama St (23-7, 14-2)

Pregame Notes

• We go up against one of the country's best defensive big man, SO C BJ Cooper (12 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 2.5 bpg), ARIZ also has good shooters, so we can't really just put up a zone.

Tip off

On offense, we're trying to draw out ARIZ C BJ Copper away from the basket, so the other players can penetrate the lane.
14:32, Up 14-13

SG Haven Wilkerson with 17 pts. We led by as many as 10, but ARIZ (11-12 FT) coming back capitalizing on our penalty situation.
7:58, Up 25-21

Wilkerson continued his good offensive game, but he got ample support from the other players, esp PF David Andrews who chipped in 9 pts.


Halftime, Up 41-39
C BJ Cooper led ARIZ's balanced scoring with 10 pts, 6 rebs. ARIZ is 0-7 3PT, so will try to use more 2-3 zone in the 2nd half. C Reginald Davis with 4 fouls.


Start of 2nd half

ARIZ already with 6 turn overs in the 2nd half, having difficulty getting the ball inside to their bigs. However, they connected on their last 2 attempts from 3PT, so we need to be ready to adjust later. SG Haven Wilkerson continues to carry our offense, 29 pts, 10-20 FG.
13:55, Up 50-45

ARIZ starting to use their strength on the boards (13 off rebounds). I'm just about to indert C Reginald Davis (4 fouls) for the 1st time in the 2nd half.
6:04, Up 61-55

We had a small 5-2 run, and then both teams trading misses. It's enough to give us a 9 pt cushion.
2:25, Up 66-57

We missed our last 2 possessions. ARIZ able to connect on a jumper. Timeout.
1:08, Up 66-59

ARIZ giving up a series of fouls to get them in the penalty. We converted 6 straight FTs to seal the game.


Final Score: Arizona - 62, Alabama St - 72
The 2-3 zone was effective in the 2nd half, forcing ARIZ to shoot from the outside which they were not making on a consistent basis. ARIZ's C BJ Copper finished with 15 pts, 11 rebs, 3 blks.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 37, 5, 2 (*)
Andrews 14, 6, 0
Hawkins 5, 0, 0
Victor 4, 6, 10
DeLord 4, 5, 1, 3 tos
Davis 3, 1, 0
Scott 2, 3, 2
Everhart 2, 1, 1
Popp 1, 1, 0
Walls 0, 4, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 46-35% (ARIZ 4-23 3PT; 17%)
REB: -4 (-8 off rebounds)
TO: -2
Pts in paint: Even
2nd chance: -14 (ARIZ: 18)
Fast break: -8
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Mar 20, 2001: (3) Miami FL (18-13, 10-8) vs (1) Alabama St (24-7, 14-2)

Pregame Notes

• MIAFL averaged more than 85 ppg during their 2 NIT games. More than half of their during those 2 games were from double-wing threat of Jr SF Leonard Bradford and Sr SF Chris McKnight. MIAFL is #2 in ACC in ppg, FG%, and 3PT%
• However, their weakness is ball handling, averaging 16 topg (#310 national). We have a good chance if we play solid m2m defense, and pressure their ball handlers.

Tip off

MIAFL shooting the ball well, 5-7 FG, although they have committed 3 turn overs already. SG Haven Wilkerson with 8 pts, mostly on drives to the basket.
13:55, Down 11-12

Both teams doing a nice job executing their respective offenses; MIAFL hitting their perimeter shots, while we're doing most of the damage inside.
7:33, Down 22-23

I limited the minutes of SG Haven Wilkerson towards the end of the 1st half, trying the prevent picking up his 3rd foul. Fortunately for us, the rest of the team chipped in on the offense. MIAFL also got into penalty, and were able to connect on 10-13 FTs.


Halftime, Up 42-34
Inside scoring comparison is at 22-4 to our advantage, and that has been the story of the game. SG Haven Wilkerson with 10 pts in only 10 minutes of action. MIAFL's SF Chris McKnight leads all scorers with 13 pts


Start of 2nd half

Torrid scoring pace at the start of the 2nd half. MIAFL hitting a trio of triples, but we have done a good job of answering back. We will slightly increase our defensive intensity
13:45, Up 56-47

It has been a good scoring battle between SG Haven Wilkerson (20 pts) and MIAFL's SF Chris McKnight (24 pts); Wilkerson is getting better support support from his teammates though. Both Wilkerson and McKnight on the bench, resting for the final push later. MIAFL already has 15 turn overs
9:23, Up 67-58

MIAFL continues to turn the ball over (19 turn overs)
4:56, Up 76-64

We even increased our lead as MIAFL's outside shooting cooled down. We slowed down the game, and will now head to the NIT Final Four!


Final Score: Miami (FL) - 67, Alabama St - 85
Very balanced and consistent offense the entire game; we scored 42 and 43 in the two halves. And we took advantage of MIAFL's weakness in ball handling.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilkerson 22, 1, 2 (*)
Davis 15, 9, 1, 2 stls
Andrews 12, 3, 1
Everhart 7, 3, 3
DeLord 7, 2, 1, 2 stls
Popp 6, 3, 0
Victor 4, 3, 5, 4 tos
Walls 4, 1, 3, 2 stls
Hawkins 4, 1, 2, 2 stls
Scott 4, 0, 2, 3 tos
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Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 60-47%
REB: +7
TO: -8 (MIAFL: 20)
Pts in paint: +42 (52-10)
2nd chance: +2
Fast break: +2
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